Viral Hepatitis cases rise among children, Shimla Health Dept intensifies surveillance
Shimla: The health department in Shimla has reported a gradual rise in cases of viral hepatitis among children, with seven cases of Hepatitis A recorded at the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Zonal Hospital (DDUZH).
The surge in cases has prompted the Health Department to intensify surveillance and strengthen preventive measures across the district, officials said on Saturday.
According to the Health Department, a gradual rise in cases of Viral Hepatitis among children has been observed during May this year. So far, 11 children with symptoms suggestive of Viral Hepatitis have required admission to the Pediatric Ward of the hospital, of whom seven were confirmed positive for Hepatitis A. Besides these, several children with mild symptoms were evaluated and treated on an outpatient basis, reports UNI.
Chief Medical Officer, Shimla Dr Yashpal Ranta, said the cases had emerged gradually over a period of more than one month, with nearly one case being reported daily or on alternate days.
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He clarified that there was no evidence of clustering or outbreak from any particular locality, as the affected children belonged to different areas of the district.
Dr Ranta said the situation was being closely monitored and precautionary public health measures had already been initiated.
According to the UNI report, teams of health professionals have been deployed in the affected areas for active surveillance, identification of additional cases, assessment of sanitation and drinking water conditions, and public awareness regarding preventive measures.
The department is also coordinating with the concerned agencies to ensure safe drinking water supply and sanitation in vulnerable areas, he added.
Dr Ranta said Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E primarily spread through the fecal-oral route due to contaminated food or water and poor personal hygiene.
He advised the public to consume safe and preferably boiled drinking water, maintain proper hand hygiene, avoid uncovered food and cut fruits from unhygienic sources, and ensure cleanliness in their surroundings.
The Health Department has also advised people to seek immediate medical attention in case of symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, or dark-coloured urine.
Officials said all necessary preventive and control measures were being undertaken in the public interest, while continuous monitoring of the situation was underway.
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